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Simpson Middle avoids act of violence | LoudounTimes.com

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Simpson Middle avoids act of violence

Thursday, Mar. 1, 2012 by Laura Peters | 20 comments | Email this story

18 J. Lupton Simpson Middle School averted a potentially dangerous situation thanks to one students brave actions on Feb. 28. The child informed their parents of a fellow student who may have been considering an act of violence. In turn, the parents called the Leesburg Police Department. According to Master Police Officer Christopher Tidmore, spokesperson for the Leesburg Police Department, authorities couldnt comment on what the act of violence was since the investigation is ongoing. The student who informed his parents had overhead another students comments that made him concerned for his safety according to Tidmore. Police officers began the investigation immediately on Feb. 28 and worked with Loudoun County Public Schools to get the message out. The student in question had his home searched for any traces of dangerous weapons and was taken in for questioning with the cooperation of his parents, according to Tidmore and LCPS Spokesperson Wayde Byard. In cases like this, especially this age group, it tends to be a cry for help rather than a serious threat. Theres always punishments thats assessed in these situations, but we want to work with the student to get them help, Byard said. We want the campus secured and safe, which it is, after that we want to work with the student to find out why they made this kind of threat. Its not a joke, we take everything like this very, very seriously. According to Byard, the school was secured and a message was sent out to every person in the LCPS community about the possible threat, informing them it was under control. We try to be honest and upfront with people. We dont want to panic people, but on the other hand we want people to know whats going on, were aware of it and what were doing with it, Byard said. School officials at Simpson were all on alert Feb. 29 to report any suspicious activity. Byard said students are taught through character building programs in school to report activity like this to authorities. Weve tried to instill in the students a sense of citizenship, Byard said. Where its not snitching, its not tattling, but if someone is going to do something dangerous the community really needs to know about it or an adult needs to know about it so that we can take the appropriate actions. Byard could not comment on the status of the child involved or whether or not he is still in school. Tidmore said the investigation is ongoing. He encouraged anyone with any information regarding the case to call the Leesburg Police at 703-771-4500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477). 18 Prevent youth violence Resources and support to stop youth violence before it starts
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